Sue Suhler and Mary Margaret Simpson graciously provided research and editorial assistance in the creation of these profiles. I am deeply indebted to these talented and very special friends. Judi Geer Kellas Introduction The Profiles of Women in Aviation provides background on the those whose pioneering spirit I have portrayed in my art works. Most of the profiles were written by me based on research, verbal, written and visual. A few were graciously written by the pilots themselves, which gives a rich, personal touch that I could not have achieved without their friendship and participation. . |
GEER KELLAS FINE ART STUDIO Profiles of women in aviation |
Olive Ann Mellor Beech, 1903-1993 born Waverly, Kansas
Universally recognized as the First Lady of Aviation, Olive Ann Beech, worked up to the position of
Chairman Emeritus of Beech Aircraft Corporation. She was the first Kansan inducted into the Kansas
Aviation Hall of Fame.
Mrs. Beech co-founded Beech Aircraft Corporation with her husband, Walter H. Beech, in Wichita in
1932. She served as Secretary-Treasurer and a Director from its founding until Mr. Beech's death in
1950. She then served as Chairman and President until 1968, and as Chairman until 1982, when she
became Chairman Emeritus. During the 50 years she served as officer, Beech Aircraft grew from
fewer than ten employees to more than 10,000, and from a dream to sales exceeding $900 million.
From Aviation Pioneers, Wings over Kansas, 2007-07-16
Universally recognized as the First Lady of Aviation, Olive Ann Beech, worked up to the position of
Chairman Emeritus of Beech Aircraft Corporation. She was the first Kansan inducted into the Kansas
Aviation Hall of Fame.
Mrs. Beech co-founded Beech Aircraft Corporation with her husband, Walter H. Beech, in Wichita in
1932. She served as Secretary-Treasurer and a Director from its founding until Mr. Beech's death in
1950. She then served as Chairman and President until 1968, and as Chairman until 1982, when she
became Chairman Emeritus. During the 50 years she served as officer, Beech Aircraft grew from
fewer than ten employees to more than 10,000, and from a dream to sales exceeding $900 million.
From Aviation Pioneers, Wings over Kansas, 2007-07-16
Janet Harmon Waterford Bragg, 1907-1993 born Griffin, Georgia
The granddaughter of a freed slave, Janet Harmon Bragg surmounted racial barriers by using her
education and her keen instinct for business. Born in Georgia and trained as a nurse at Spelman
Seminary in Atlanta (now Spelman College), Janet moved to Chicago and worked as a nurse until
enrolling at Chicago’s Curtiss Aeronautical University ground school in 1933. Janet studied but lacked
an important training device – an airplane. She then purchased her own airplane to fly and to rent to
others.
However, she found no airport where black pilots were allowed to fly. Bragg and her classmates
purchased land and built an airfield in the all-black town of Robbins, Illinois. Janet earned her private
pilot’s license and wrote a weekly column called “Negro Aviation” for the Chicago Defender
newspaper. During World War II, she and other black women applied to the Women’s Auxiliary
Service Pilots (WASPs) but were rejected. Janet persisted, and eventually earned her commercial pilot’
s license.
Janet launched her own nursing-home business and became a successful entrepreneur and speaker
at aviation events across the country. She traveled in Africa where, while overlooked in American
history books, she was welcomed by royalty and ordinary people alike.
The granddaughter of a freed slave, Janet Harmon Bragg surmounted racial barriers by using her
education and her keen instinct for business. Born in Georgia and trained as a nurse at Spelman
Seminary in Atlanta (now Spelman College), Janet moved to Chicago and worked as a nurse until
enrolling at Chicago’s Curtiss Aeronautical University ground school in 1933. Janet studied but lacked
an important training device – an airplane. She then purchased her own airplane to fly and to rent to
others.
However, she found no airport where black pilots were allowed to fly. Bragg and her classmates
purchased land and built an airfield in the all-black town of Robbins, Illinois. Janet earned her private
pilot’s license and wrote a weekly column called “Negro Aviation” for the Chicago Defender
newspaper. During World War II, she and other black women applied to the Women’s Auxiliary
Service Pilots (WASPs) but were rejected. Janet persisted, and eventually earned her commercial pilot’
s license.
Janet launched her own nursing-home business and became a successful entrepreneur and speaker
at aviation events across the country. She traveled in Africa where, while overlooked in American
history books, she was welcomed by royalty and ordinary people alike.
Elizabeth "Bessie" Coleman, 1892-1926 born: Atlanta, Texas
Bessie Coleman, also known affectionately as Queen Bess, was the world’s first licensed black
aviator. She was the first African-American woman to fly an airplane. Born in Texas, Bessie moved to
Chicago to earn money to learn to fly. There she met and came to revere Robert Abbott, publisher
of the Chicago Defender, the African-American newspaper that would play a prominent role in the
lives of other aspiring black aviators.
After learning that France was enlightened in matters of race and gender, Bessie learned the French
language, moved to France, and received flight training from the famed flight school established in
1910 by the Caudron brothers. In 1921, two years before Amelia Earhart earned her pilot’s license,
Bessie became the first African-American woman to earn the international pilot's license.
She returned to Chicago, saying, “I decided blacks should not experience the difficulties I had faced,
so I decided to open a flying school and teach other black women to fly.”
To finance her flight school, she turned to lecturing across America and to barnstorming, a popular
entertainment in which pilots performed aerial stunts. In 1926, while practicing for an air show in
Florida, Bessie’s plane malfunctioned, and she fell from the open cockpit to her death, unable to fulfill
her dream of a flight school.
Bessie is honored in the "American Blacks in Aviation" exhibit at the Smithsonian Institution's
National Air and Space Museum, Washington, DC.
Bessie Coleman, also known affectionately as Queen Bess, was the world’s first licensed black
aviator. She was the first African-American woman to fly an airplane. Born in Texas, Bessie moved to
Chicago to earn money to learn to fly. There she met and came to revere Robert Abbott, publisher
of the Chicago Defender, the African-American newspaper that would play a prominent role in the
lives of other aspiring black aviators.
After learning that France was enlightened in matters of race and gender, Bessie learned the French
language, moved to France, and received flight training from the famed flight school established in
1910 by the Caudron brothers. In 1921, two years before Amelia Earhart earned her pilot’s license,
Bessie became the first African-American woman to earn the international pilot's license.
She returned to Chicago, saying, “I decided blacks should not experience the difficulties I had faced,
so I decided to open a flying school and teach other black women to fly.”
To finance her flight school, she turned to lecturing across America and to barnstorming, a popular
entertainment in which pilots performed aerial stunts. In 1926, while practicing for an air show in
Florida, Bessie’s plane malfunctioned, and she fell from the open cockpit to her death, unable to fulfill
her dream of a flight school.
Bessie is honored in the "American Blacks in Aviation" exhibit at the Smithsonian Institution's
National Air and Space Museum, Washington, DC.
Amelia Earhart, 1897-1937 born: Atchison, Kansas
(presumed dead following her disappearance)
The influence of Amelia Earhart on the lives of ordinary women has infused my own family. She
inspired my mother-in-law, a young secretary, who saw Amelia in an open-car parade in downtown
Boston. Her spirit infused my own mother, who, born in 1907, learned she could do anything with her
life and that her own choice mattered. Amelia sent that message to thousands of young women in the
U.S. and the world. Her reality? She dared to dream … and to fail.
Many women were as good or better pilots than Amelia Earhart: Louise Thaden, Bessie Coleman, and
Ann Morrow. What Amelia had was courage and a sense of adventure. She secured her place in
history less by the mythology surrounding her disappearance and more by what she did while alive.
Amelia was REAL. She spoke at colleges and universities across the country and mentored young
women, encouraging them, “Have a dream and follow it.”
(presumed dead following her disappearance)
The influence of Amelia Earhart on the lives of ordinary women has infused my own family. She
inspired my mother-in-law, a young secretary, who saw Amelia in an open-car parade in downtown
Boston. Her spirit infused my own mother, who, born in 1907, learned she could do anything with her
life and that her own choice mattered. Amelia sent that message to thousands of young women in the
U.S. and the world. Her reality? She dared to dream … and to fail.
Many women were as good or better pilots than Amelia Earhart: Louise Thaden, Bessie Coleman, and
Ann Morrow. What Amelia had was courage and a sense of adventure. She secured her place in
history less by the mythology surrounding her disappearance and more by what she did while alive.
Amelia was REAL. She spoke at colleges and universities across the country and mentored young
women, encouraging them, “Have a dream and follow it.”
Linda Finch, 1951-
In 1997, 60 years after Amelia Earhart disappeared over the Pacific Ocean, Texas businesswoman and
aviator Linda Finch completed Amelia’s last flight. Linda was the first to recreate Amelia’s around-the-
world journey in a restored Lockheed Electra 10E, the same make and model aircraft that Amelia flew.
The airplane was accurate down to the rivets, except for the use of modern navigation equipment.
Linda traced the route that Amelia flew, finishing the trip two-and-a-half months later. The mission to
complete Amelia’s journey was “World Flight 1997.” More than a million school children followed the
flight daily through a web site and educational program called “You Can Soar.”
When she completed the journey, Linda said of Amelia, "She had a message for people. She believed
that people could live larger lives. You should not live within the limits society set for you, or most
times, we set upon ourselves.”
In 1997, 60 years after Amelia Earhart disappeared over the Pacific Ocean, Texas businesswoman and
aviator Linda Finch completed Amelia’s last flight. Linda was the first to recreate Amelia’s around-the-
world journey in a restored Lockheed Electra 10E, the same make and model aircraft that Amelia flew.
The airplane was accurate down to the rivets, except for the use of modern navigation equipment.
Linda traced the route that Amelia flew, finishing the trip two-and-a-half months later. The mission to
complete Amelia’s journey was “World Flight 1997.” More than a million school children followed the
flight daily through a web site and educational program called “You Can Soar.”
When she completed the journey, Linda said of Amelia, "She had a message for people. She believed
that people could live larger lives. You should not live within the limits society set for you, or most
times, we set upon ourselves.”
Baroness Raymonde de Laroche, 1886-1919 born: France
Photos of Raymonde de Laroche have suggested an intensity that seems unusual for a woman in the early
1900s. She sought a theatrical career but became a balloonist and her sights never left the sky. Encouraged to
pilot a fixed-wing aircraft by renowned French aviation industrialist Charles Voisin, Raymonde took off on her
first attempt and completed a successful flight with a pinpoint landing.
That trial run was only her first record. In 1910, Raymonde became the first woman in the world to receive a pilot’
s license, issued as Brevet No. 36 by the International Aeronautics Federation. She survived a crash in an air
show and in 1913 won the Aero Club of France’s Femina Cup for a non-stop long-distance flight of more than
four hours. In 1919, she set women’s records for both altitude and distance. Aspiring to become the world’s first
professional woman test pilot, she was aboard an experimental aircraft in 1919 when the plane crashed, killing
both Raymonde and her pilot. Yet, her influence in the world of aviation is without question, and a statue of
Raymonde stands today at Le Bourget Airport in France, the landing site for Charles Lindbergh’s famous solo
transatlantic crossing in 1927.
Photos of Raymonde de Laroche have suggested an intensity that seems unusual for a woman in the early
1900s. She sought a theatrical career but became a balloonist and her sights never left the sky. Encouraged to
pilot a fixed-wing aircraft by renowned French aviation industrialist Charles Voisin, Raymonde took off on her
first attempt and completed a successful flight with a pinpoint landing.
That trial run was only her first record. In 1910, Raymonde became the first woman in the world to receive a pilot’
s license, issued as Brevet No. 36 by the International Aeronautics Federation. She survived a crash in an air
show and in 1913 won the Aero Club of France’s Femina Cup for a non-stop long-distance flight of more than
four hours. In 1919, she set women’s records for both altitude and distance. Aspiring to become the world’s first
professional woman test pilot, she was aboard an experimental aircraft in 1919 when the plane crashed, killing
both Raymonde and her pilot. Yet, her influence in the world of aviation is without question, and a statue of
Raymonde stands today at Le Bourget Airport in France, the landing site for Charles Lindbergh’s famous solo
transatlantic crossing in 1927.
Moya Lear, 1915-2001
Moya Olsen Lear was an American businesswoman who married aviation pioneer Bill Lear in 1942.
Much of their life together revolved around his career as an inventor, especially in aviation
electronics. After her husband’s death in 1978, Moya became chairman of the board of the multi-
million dollar Lear Avia Corporation.
The daughter of Olsen of the comedy team Olsen and Johnson, Moya was comfortable among
dignitaries and crowds. She threw heart and soul into carrying on, both emotionally and financially,
Bill’s last, great, unfinished project – the “LearFan,” an innovative, lightweight business jet. Despite
financial setbacks, the airplane was completed; however, it never went into production. She
remained an important and beloved philanthropist in Reno until her death. Carrying on the legacy of
her husband and embracing the field of aviation as her own would endear her to anyone with a
pioneer spirit.
Moya Olsen Lear was an American businesswoman who married aviation pioneer Bill Lear in 1942.
Much of their life together revolved around his career as an inventor, especially in aviation
electronics. After her husband’s death in 1978, Moya became chairman of the board of the multi-
million dollar Lear Avia Corporation.
The daughter of Olsen of the comedy team Olsen and Johnson, Moya was comfortable among
dignitaries and crowds. She threw heart and soul into carrying on, both emotionally and financially,
Bill’s last, great, unfinished project – the “LearFan,” an innovative, lightweight business jet. Despite
financial setbacks, the airplane was completed; however, it never went into production. She
remained an important and beloved philanthropist in Reno until her death. Carrying on the legacy of
her husband and embracing the field of aviation as her own would endear her to anyone with a
pioneer spirit.
Anne Morrow Lindbergh, 1906-2001
The fame of Anne Morrow Lindbergh as wife of Charles Lindbergh often has overshadowed her
own accomplishments as aviator and writer (more than 12 published books of fiction and non-
fiction). Note that Anne was the first licensed woman glider-pilot in the United States.
Born into a well-educated and cultivated family, Anne’s flying career was launched by her
marriage to Charles, and soon she became more than a companionable sidekick. Much of their
early marriage was spent airborne, with Anne serving as expert co-pilot, navigator, and radio
operator. She made dangerous trips to chart possible air routes for commercial airlines. They
flew uncharted routes from Canada and Alaska to Japan and China. They completed, in a single-
engine Lockheed “Sirius,” a five-and-a-half month 30,000-mile survey of North and South Atlantic
air routes in 1933; Charles later described that survey as much more hazardous than his famed
1927 solo flight to Paris.
Anne earned numerous awards and was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame. Her life
was more privileged than the lives of other female aviation pioneers. Yet, Anne’s quiet modesty
belied her indomitable tenacity and bravery, qualities she most surely needed in the tragedy that
later faced her.
The fame of Anne Morrow Lindbergh as wife of Charles Lindbergh often has overshadowed her
own accomplishments as aviator and writer (more than 12 published books of fiction and non-
fiction). Note that Anne was the first licensed woman glider-pilot in the United States.
Born into a well-educated and cultivated family, Anne’s flying career was launched by her
marriage to Charles, and soon she became more than a companionable sidekick. Much of their
early marriage was spent airborne, with Anne serving as expert co-pilot, navigator, and radio
operator. She made dangerous trips to chart possible air routes for commercial airlines. They
flew uncharted routes from Canada and Alaska to Japan and China. They completed, in a single-
engine Lockheed “Sirius,” a five-and-a-half month 30,000-mile survey of North and South Atlantic
air routes in 1933; Charles later described that survey as much more hazardous than his famed
1927 solo flight to Paris.
Anne earned numerous awards and was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame. Her life
was more privileged than the lives of other female aviation pioneers. Yet, Anne’s quiet modesty
belied her indomitable tenacity and bravery, qualities she most surely needed in the tragedy that
later faced her.
Beryl Markham, 1902-1986 born: England
Beryl Markham was the first person to fly solo across the Atlantic from London to North America. Born in
England, Beryl spent most of her life in Kenya. As a young woman, she hitched a ride on an airplane piloted by
well-known, big-game hunter Denys Finch Hatton. She got hooked on flying, and Finch Hatton’s death from a
plane crash steeled her resolve to learn to fly. Soon Beryl received her pilot's license and became the first
woman in Kenya to receive a commercial pilot's license. The adventuresome Beryl launched another career as
bush pilot, flying solo to deliver supplies, passengers, and mail to remote regions of Kenya.
Beryl returned to England and wanted to be the first to fly solo from London to New York. However, because the
jet-stream travels from west to east (which “pushed” Lucky Lindbergh along on his historic flight), the flight from
east to west was fraught with risk.
In a borrowed airplane with no radio, Beryl nearly completed trip ended in Nova Scotia. Soon afterwards, she
gave up her wings and returned to Kenya to raise and train horses. Beryl’s memoir about her flying career, West
with the Night, conveys the sense of adventure typified by her remarkable life.
Louise McPhetridge Thaden, 1905-1979
Born in Arkansas, Louise Thaden left college to sell airplanes for Walter Beech’s Travel Air
Corporation in California. In 1928, she earned her pilot’s license and set an altitude record of 20,260
feet. She set a U.S. women’s endurance record, staying aloft more than 22 hours. In 1929, she
became only the fourth woman to earn a transport pilot license.
Louise won the 1929 Women’s Air Derby, called the Powder Puff Derby, beating friends Amelia
Earhart and Pancho Barnes. During the 1930s, Louise chalked up one altitude, endurance, and
speed record after another; the speed record of 109.58 MPH was set in 1936. She became one of
most famous female aviators of what is now considered “the golden age of aviation.” She and Amelia
co-founded the Ninety-Nines, an organization of women pilots which thrives today. Thaden and other
women aviators toured the United States, marking geographic references on rooftops and hillsides
to aid pilots. Louise won the National Air Races' Bendix Trophy in 1936, the first year in which women
were allowed to compete, setting a new east-west record of just under 15 hours. During World War
II, Louise attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel with the Civil Air Patrol.
In her 1938 memoirs, High, Wide and Frightened, Louise wryly noted that a pilot who claims never to
have been frightened is lying.
Born in Arkansas, Louise Thaden left college to sell airplanes for Walter Beech’s Travel Air
Corporation in California. In 1928, she earned her pilot’s license and set an altitude record of 20,260
feet. She set a U.S. women’s endurance record, staying aloft more than 22 hours. In 1929, she
became only the fourth woman to earn a transport pilot license.
Louise won the 1929 Women’s Air Derby, called the Powder Puff Derby, beating friends Amelia
Earhart and Pancho Barnes. During the 1930s, Louise chalked up one altitude, endurance, and
speed record after another; the speed record of 109.58 MPH was set in 1936. She became one of
most famous female aviators of what is now considered “the golden age of aviation.” She and Amelia
co-founded the Ninety-Nines, an organization of women pilots which thrives today. Thaden and other
women aviators toured the United States, marking geographic references on rooftops and hillsides
to aid pilots. Louise won the National Air Races' Bendix Trophy in 1936, the first year in which women
were allowed to compete, setting a new east-west record of just under 15 hours. During World War
II, Louise attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel with the Civil Air Patrol.
In her 1938 memoirs, High, Wide and Frightened, Louise wryly noted that a pilot who claims never to
have been frightened is lying.
Willa Beatrice Brown Chappell, 1906-1992 born Glasgow, Kentucky.
Aviator, politician, educator and activist, Willa Brown gleaned strength and inspiration from the life
work of Bessie Coleman. She was instrumental in establishing the Coffey School of Aeronautics and
in doing so, fulfilled Bessie's long standing dream of an all black flying school. With a master's degree
from Northwestern University and a Master Mechanic's Certificate, Willa became the first African
American woman to earn a commercial pilot's license. She was the first woman to fly with the Illinois
Air Patrol. She was also the first African American to achieve an officer's rank in the Civil Air Patrol
and lead the fight to integrate African Americans into the U.S. Army Corp.
Aviator, politician, educator and activist, Willa Brown gleaned strength and inspiration from the life
work of Bessie Coleman. She was instrumental in establishing the Coffey School of Aeronautics and
in doing so, fulfilled Bessie's long standing dream of an all black flying school. With a master's degree
from Northwestern University and a Master Mechanic's Certificate, Willa became the first African
American woman to earn a commercial pilot's license. She was the first woman to fly with the Illinois
Air Patrol. She was also the first African American to achieve an officer's rank in the Civil Air Patrol
and lead the fight to integrate African Americans into the U.S. Army Corp.
Karen Ruth no information on date or place of birth
I met Captain Karen Ruth when she was flying for Continental Airlines; she was Captain on a flight that I made to
Jacksonville, FL to see my mother. It was a certified thrill to hear a woman's voice say "This is the captain
speaking....." I was very excited; I had never been on a flight with a woman as Captain. I quickly wrote a note
saying that I would like to meet her after we landed, if she had time, sending it via the flight-attendant; Karen
responded that she would be delighted. She was very interested in the subject of my art work.
I found Karen a charming, gracious, very professional person. Those few moments made my day. She has also
flown for Northwest Airlines (known for hiring women pilots). The next time you’re on a flight, check to see if the
Captain is a woman.
I met Captain Karen Ruth when she was flying for Continental Airlines; she was Captain on a flight that I made to
Jacksonville, FL to see my mother. It was a certified thrill to hear a woman's voice say "This is the captain
speaking....." I was very excited; I had never been on a flight with a woman as Captain. I quickly wrote a note
saying that I would like to meet her after we landed, if she had time, sending it via the flight-attendant; Karen
responded that she would be delighted. She was very interested in the subject of my art work.
I found Karen a charming, gracious, very professional person. Those few moments made my day. She has also
flown for Northwest Airlines (known for hiring women pilots). The next time you’re on a flight, check to see if the
Captain is a woman.
Sandra J. Wayne Campbell, Kansas City
In flying helmet and goggles, she stands in a pool of light on the stage and recreates the exciting
story and persona of Bessie Coleman - the first African-American woman to win her wings as an
aviator. Sandy's show "Follow Your Dreams" is the result of years of work researching Bessie's
history and bringing it alive so young people in search of their own futures can become inspired to
similarly reach for the greatness within themselves. From Wolf Aviation Fund web site. Image from a
photo by John Dow
A public school teacher remembers that Sandy came to Lawrence, Kansas, several years ago and gave
a memorable performance.kcpt.org/bessie/dream
She was inspired to write "Follow Your Dreams" after standing in for Bessie Coleman’s posthumous
induction into the Women In Aviation International "Hall of Fame" in 1995. Since the first performance
Sandra has been traveling the country telling this compelling story to young and old.
In flying helmet and goggles, she stands in a pool of light on the stage and recreates the exciting
story and persona of Bessie Coleman - the first African-American woman to win her wings as an
aviator. Sandy's show "Follow Your Dreams" is the result of years of work researching Bessie's
history and bringing it alive so young people in search of their own futures can become inspired to
similarly reach for the greatness within themselves. From Wolf Aviation Fund web site. Image from a
photo by John Dow
A public school teacher remembers that Sandy came to Lawrence, Kansas, several years ago and gave
a memorable performance.kcpt.org/bessie/dream
She was inspired to write "Follow Your Dreams" after standing in for Bessie Coleman’s posthumous
induction into the Women In Aviation International "Hall of Fame" in 1995. Since the first performance
Sandra has been traveling the country telling this compelling story to young and old.
Fay Gillis Wells 1909-2002
In 1929, as a 20-year-old student pilot, Fay Gillis Wells became the one of the first women to
parachute from a plane when the biplane she was flying broke apart. That courage to take the big
leap would characterize Wells's careers as a pioneering aviator and a foreign correspondent. She
ferried and demonstrated the early planes designed by the legendary Glenn Curtiss, becoming the
first woman to be employed in such a job. During that time, Fay met other women aviators,
including Amelia Earhart, with whom she co-founded the women's flying group, the Ninety-Nine's.
Wells covered the Italian invasion of Ethiopia with her journalist husband, their bylines sometimes
appearing together on a front page. She traveled with the White House press corps to Vietnam and
was one of three women journalists covering President Richard Nixon's historic China trip in 1972.
In 2002, when she died at the age of 94, Wells was serving her two great loves, sitting on a NASA
advisory board helping to select the first journalist who would fly in space. She regretted never
having had the chance to become an astronaut.
In 1929, as a 20-year-old student pilot, Fay Gillis Wells became the one of the first women to
parachute from a plane when the biplane she was flying broke apart. That courage to take the big
leap would characterize Wells's careers as a pioneering aviator and a foreign correspondent. She
ferried and demonstrated the early planes designed by the legendary Glenn Curtiss, becoming the
first woman to be employed in such a job. During that time, Fay met other women aviators,
including Amelia Earhart, with whom she co-founded the women's flying group, the Ninety-Nine's.
Wells covered the Italian invasion of Ethiopia with her journalist husband, their bylines sometimes
appearing together on a front page. She traveled with the White House press corps to Vietnam and
was one of three women journalists covering President Richard Nixon's historic China trip in 1972.
In 2002, when she died at the age of 94, Wells was serving her two great loves, sitting on a NASA
advisory board helping to select the first journalist who would fly in space. She regretted never
having had the chance to become an astronaut.
| Patty Wagstaff, 1951- born: St. Louis, Missouri This incredible and beautiful woman could be a series of paintings all by herself. Her book Fire & Air: a life on the edge is an inspiration to any woman and an major inspiration for my art work! She has earned many honors & awards; I won't try to list them all. A few are:
She has trained with the Russian Aerobatic Team and flown air shows and competitions on five continents. In March, 1994, her airplane the Goodrich Extra 260, went on display in the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum in Washington DC. You can see Patty's airplane and exhibit in the Pioneers of Flight Gallery right next to Amelia Earhart's Lockheed Vega. |
Evelyn Sharp, 1919-1944 born Ord, Nebraska
From Ord, NE, she was also known as Sharpie; she flew for the Army during World War II to
transport planes from the factory to Army Air Bases or from base to base when needed; she died
when the plane she was transporting malfunctioned & crashed.
Diane Armour Bartels writes in her biography, Sharpie: …Nebraska’s premier aviatrix, had her
confrontations during her pursuit of excellence, though they proved no deterrence, particularly
when her community provided its timely assist. I invite you to share the joy of what flying meant to
her; note the smile while in the cockpit.
I met Diane in Salina, Kansas at the at the national championships of the National Intercollegiate
Flying Association. She is a 99 and inspired to keep the memory of Evelyn Sharp alive.
From Ord, NE, she was also known as Sharpie; she flew for the Army during World War II to
transport planes from the factory to Army Air Bases or from base to base when needed; she died
when the plane she was transporting malfunctioned & crashed.
Diane Armour Bartels writes in her biography, Sharpie: …Nebraska’s premier aviatrix, had her
confrontations during her pursuit of excellence, though they proved no deterrence, particularly
when her community provided its timely assist. I invite you to share the joy of what flying meant to
her; note the smile while in the cockpit.
I met Diane in Salina, Kansas at the at the national championships of the National Intercollegiate
Flying Association. She is a 99 and inspired to keep the memory of Evelyn Sharp alive.
Beverly Sharp 1943-2006 born: Winston Salem, North Carolina
International President of the "99's" from 1998-2000, she has a very attractive face, looks like an
ordinary woman with the determined look one who "followed her dream" as Amelia admonished
women of the 1930s to do. Bev purchased the silverpoint drawing, Soaring Spirits, from The
Icarus 2003 exhibit in Nags Head, NC. In 2004 I went to Atchison, KS, to the Forest of Friendship to
meet her; what a treasured experience! She passed away in January, 2006. her notes & messages
were always signed, "Blue skies, Bev." The painting "Blue skies, Bev" is my tribute to her.
International President of the "99's" from 1998-2000, she has a very attractive face, looks like an
ordinary woman with the determined look one who "followed her dream" as Amelia admonished
women of the 1930s to do. Bev purchased the silverpoint drawing, Soaring Spirits, from The
Icarus 2003 exhibit in Nags Head, NC. In 2004 I went to Atchison, KS, to the Forest of Friendship to
meet her; what a treasured experience! She passed away in January, 2006. her notes & messages
were always signed, "Blue skies, Bev." The painting "Blue skies, Bev" is my tribute to her.
Lily Gelb 1943- born Detroit, Michigan
I met Lily during the Centennial Celebration of the birth of Amelia Earhart. Teaching a sketching class on
the river bluff, across the street from the Birthplace Museum in Atchison, Kansas, I saw a woman who
looked like Amelia Earhart. It was an apparition. My students & I sat on the river bluff across the street
from Amelia’s grandparents home drawing the river and surrounding landscape just as Amelia and her
sister used to do. Lily walked up to me and asked if I would take a picture of her with the bridge across
the river in the background. She was wearing a vintage 1930s flight suit, leather helmet, goggles and a
strand of pearls (Amelia always wore pearls). The bridge had been re-named that morning: The Amelia
Earhart Bridge. It is the only bridge in Kansas named for a woman.
My students and I were so startled; she really did look for all the world like Amelia. Of course, I obliged
her and took her picture. She then introduced herself as Lily and asked if I would take another photograph
with the Birthplace Museum in the background. The young people from the art class were fascinated, to
say the least. Numerous photographs were taken; all the children wanted a picture with "Amelia." What an
experience for the young artists.... and for me. As we became friends I began to call her AmeLily; we still
stay in touch and I never forget her Birthday, July 24th, the same as Amelia's.
I met Lily during the Centennial Celebration of the birth of Amelia Earhart. Teaching a sketching class on
the river bluff, across the street from the Birthplace Museum in Atchison, Kansas, I saw a woman who
looked like Amelia Earhart. It was an apparition. My students & I sat on the river bluff across the street
from Amelia’s grandparents home drawing the river and surrounding landscape just as Amelia and her
sister used to do. Lily walked up to me and asked if I would take a picture of her with the bridge across
the river in the background. She was wearing a vintage 1930s flight suit, leather helmet, goggles and a
strand of pearls (Amelia always wore pearls). The bridge had been re-named that morning: The Amelia
Earhart Bridge. It is the only bridge in Kansas named for a woman.
My students and I were so startled; she really did look for all the world like Amelia. Of course, I obliged
her and took her picture. She then introduced herself as Lily and asked if I would take another photograph
with the Birthplace Museum in the background. The young people from the art class were fascinated, to
say the least. Numerous photographs were taken; all the children wanted a picture with "Amelia." What an
experience for the young artists.... and for me. As we became friends I began to call her AmeLily; we still
stay in touch and I never forget her Birthday, July 24th, the same as Amelia's.
Ruth Rowland Nichols, 1901-1960
The only woman to simultaneously hold the women’s world speed, altitude and distance record for heavy land
planes. received her pilot's license after graduating from Wellesley College in 1924, becoming the first woman in
New York to do so. In January 1928 she flew nonstop from New York City to Miami with Harry Rogers in a
Fairchild FC-2. The publicity stunt brought Nichols fame as "The Flying Debutante." In 1958, she flew a Delta
Dagger at 1000 mph at an altitude of 51,000 feet. A Hamilton variable pitch propeller (which allowed a pilot to
select a climb or cruise position for the blades), from her Lockheed Vega is displayed in the Golden Age of
Flight gallery. Nichols' autobiography is titled Wings for Life.
Nichols set several women's records 1931, among them a speed record of 210.704 mph, an altitude record of
28,743 feet, and a nonstop distance record of 1,977.6 miles. Her hopes to become the first woman to fly the
Atlantic Ocean were dashed by two crashes of a Lockheed Vega in 1931, in which she was severely injured, and
again in 1932. In 1940, Nichols founded Relief Wings, a humanitarian air service for disaster relief that quickly
became an adjunct relief service of the Civil Air Patrol during World War II. Nichols became a lieutenant colonel
in the CAP. After the war she organized a mission in support of UNICEF and became an advisor to the CAP on
air ambulance missions.
The only woman to simultaneously hold the women’s world speed, altitude and distance record for heavy land
planes. received her pilot's license after graduating from Wellesley College in 1924, becoming the first woman in
New York to do so. In January 1928 she flew nonstop from New York City to Miami with Harry Rogers in a
Fairchild FC-2. The publicity stunt brought Nichols fame as "The Flying Debutante." In 1958, she flew a Delta
Dagger at 1000 mph at an altitude of 51,000 feet. A Hamilton variable pitch propeller (which allowed a pilot to
select a climb or cruise position for the blades), from her Lockheed Vega is displayed in the Golden Age of
Flight gallery. Nichols' autobiography is titled Wings for Life.
Nichols set several women's records 1931, among them a speed record of 210.704 mph, an altitude record of
28,743 feet, and a nonstop distance record of 1,977.6 miles. Her hopes to become the first woman to fly the
Atlantic Ocean were dashed by two crashes of a Lockheed Vega in 1931, in which she was severely injured, and
again in 1932. In 1940, Nichols founded Relief Wings, a humanitarian air service for disaster relief that quickly
became an adjunct relief service of the Civil Air Patrol during World War II. Nichols became a lieutenant colonel
in the CAP. After the war she organized a mission in support of UNICEF and became an advisor to the CAP on
air ambulance missions.
Peggy Long 1946- born: Andalusia, Alabama
Peggy is my mother's first-cousin's daughter, my 1st cousin once removed; we met at a family reunion
several years ago and found that we had many things in common, especially aviation. Peggy has lived in the
Denver area for several years and is active in the 99s. Here is her story in her own words:
I had always wanted to learn to fly and when I was in my twenties I had the opportunity and time but no
money. That was in the mid 70s when it was estimated to cost as much as $800 to get your private pilots
license. In the late 80s I had neighbors were very intensely involved with the Colorado Pilots Assoc. This is
mostly a social group but also they lobby for laws that will protect general aviation and after Sept. 11th we
were wondering if there would ever be any more general aviation. Even though all of the planes involved
were airlines the restrictions on the small private pilots where the most severe. My neighbors were always
flying somewhere to do interesting things. My first trip was to Greede CO to see the repertory theater which
turned out to be excellent theater, perfect weather and great food.
My work, training people to use my company's computer software, kept me on the "road", a different city
everyday, about 12 days a month, 3 to 4 days a week. With advances in technology we were able to rewrite
our software so that in person training was no longer needed. Now I had the time, opportunity and the money
to learn to fly. I was 51 when I got my private pilots license. I immediately started shopping for a plane that I
could afford and felt comfortable that I could fly with confidence. After shopping for months on Internet sites
and Trade A Plane (a tabloid size newspaper that is full of planes for sale), I found a plane in Chattanooga
TN that was old (1961) but appeared to be in good shape. I made the deal and with the help of one of my
instructors, flew her to Denver. Betsy is a Cessna 210B; she has a Continental 10470 engine, 260HP. She
burns about 12 gals of 100LL (low lead gas) an hour. Fuel is now around $4 a gallon; when I started flying, it
was less than $2 a gallon. I earned my instrument rating in 1998.
The best adventure to date is flying to Guatemala and Nicaragua with a group of 6 planes -- all members of
the Colorado Pilots Assoc. It was the trip of a lifetime. Flying over smoking volcanoes is something I won't
forget. I've flown west to the Mojave Desert and Las Vegas, northwest to Jackpot NV, north to Sturgis SO,
east to Savannah, GA, Chattanooga TN, Montgomery AL, Pensacola FL, Austin TX, Tulsa OK and lots of
places in between. Several years ago I learned to fly a float plane which opens up another wonderful way to
see country. From the air you can see so much beauty that you can't easily see on the ground like a
hundred miles of aspen leaves that have turned yellow, glacier lakes on the top of mountain ridges, wagon
ruts that run for hundreds of miles of the Santa Fe Trail, parts of the Oregon Trail in Wyoming. It's all so very
beautiful I'm just sorry that I waited 50 years to get my license.
Peggy is my mother's first-cousin's daughter, my 1st cousin once removed; we met at a family reunion
several years ago and found that we had many things in common, especially aviation. Peggy has lived in the
Denver area for several years and is active in the 99s. Here is her story in her own words:
I had always wanted to learn to fly and when I was in my twenties I had the opportunity and time but no
money. That was in the mid 70s when it was estimated to cost as much as $800 to get your private pilots
license. In the late 80s I had neighbors were very intensely involved with the Colorado Pilots Assoc. This is
mostly a social group but also they lobby for laws that will protect general aviation and after Sept. 11th we
were wondering if there would ever be any more general aviation. Even though all of the planes involved
were airlines the restrictions on the small private pilots where the most severe. My neighbors were always
flying somewhere to do interesting things. My first trip was to Greede CO to see the repertory theater which
turned out to be excellent theater, perfect weather and great food.
My work, training people to use my company's computer software, kept me on the "road", a different city
everyday, about 12 days a month, 3 to 4 days a week. With advances in technology we were able to rewrite
our software so that in person training was no longer needed. Now I had the time, opportunity and the money
to learn to fly. I was 51 when I got my private pilots license. I immediately started shopping for a plane that I
could afford and felt comfortable that I could fly with confidence. After shopping for months on Internet sites
and Trade A Plane (a tabloid size newspaper that is full of planes for sale), I found a plane in Chattanooga
TN that was old (1961) but appeared to be in good shape. I made the deal and with the help of one of my
instructors, flew her to Denver. Betsy is a Cessna 210B; she has a Continental 10470 engine, 260HP. She
burns about 12 gals of 100LL (low lead gas) an hour. Fuel is now around $4 a gallon; when I started flying, it
was less than $2 a gallon. I earned my instrument rating in 1998.
The best adventure to date is flying to Guatemala and Nicaragua with a group of 6 planes -- all members of
the Colorado Pilots Assoc. It was the trip of a lifetime. Flying over smoking volcanoes is something I won't
forget. I've flown west to the Mojave Desert and Las Vegas, northwest to Jackpot NV, north to Sturgis SO,
east to Savannah, GA, Chattanooga TN, Montgomery AL, Pensacola FL, Austin TX, Tulsa OK and lots of
places in between. Several years ago I learned to fly a float plane which opens up another wonderful way to
see country. From the air you can see so much beauty that you can't easily see on the ground like a
hundred miles of aspen leaves that have turned yellow, glacier lakes on the top of mountain ridges, wagon
ruts that run for hundreds of miles of the Santa Fe Trail, parts of the Oregon Trail in Wyoming. It's all so very
beautiful I'm just sorry that I waited 50 years to get my license.
Eulogy for Bev
Beverly Sharp 1943-2006
-Compiled from remarks by Barbara Rohde, letter by Doris Abbate and Times Community Newspapers
Ninety-Nines International President 1998-2000
On January 11, 2006, a flag was flown over the United States Capitol. The certificate that
accompanied it reads, "This flag is flown in honor of the life of Beverley D. Sharp, Past President of
The Ninety- Nines, Inc. International Organization of Women Pilots, and her many contributions to
aviation education and safety that she made to this nation and this world." Bev's story is best told
through the impact she had on others, from community activism to education to The Ninety-Nines.
Bev learned to fly in the early 1980s and joined The Ninety-Nines in 1982. She accumulated over
1,000 hours of flight time, much of it in her Beechcraft Baron. She became an Aviation Safety
Counselor for the FAA. She co-authored the FAA Accident Prevention Counselor Handbook. She
started a program for her Chapter through Herndon High School's Success Campaign called
Flunkbusters, one that rewarded students who greatly improved their GPAs with a free flight. Thelma
Calbert, friend and founder of Herndon's Success Campaign, said, "It let the students say, 'Here's a
lady who not only flies but has her own plane.' They looked up to her."
Bev served in every Chapter office, as a Mid-Atlantic Section Treasurer and Governor, as
International Treasurer and then as International President from 1998-2000. Friend Doris Abbate
said, "Bev was a genuine grassroots 99, she never lost sight of the forest for the trees, during and
after her tenure in high office. II
"We watched and admired her," said Barbara Rohde, friend and sister Washington DC Chapter
member. "We watched and admired as she started a program to encourage women to learn to fly that
would eventually become the Future Woman Pilot program. We watched and admired as she led our
Chapter in raising and donating our funds to create a permanent Amelia Earhart Flight Instructor
Scholarship in honor of a Chapter member who had been killed. We watched and admired as she
would encourage all of us to join the Wings Program for Safety offered by the FAA. We watched and
admired as the FAA Administrator, Jane Garvey, readjusted her schedule to attend our Chapter
event in 2001 to honor Bev. We watched and admired when faced with adversity she always had a
smile, maybe a little giggle, but always showed us the courage of her convictions. II
In the 1960s she was one of the people who moved to Reston, Virginia (Robert E Simon's "New
Town") because of the principles upon which it was founded, including diversity of all kinds. "Her
work back then helped shape Reston into what it is today," said her husband Ed Sharp, who
affectionately referred to his wife as a "constructive agitator."
Bev was active in her community, in many organizations and served on the boards of the United
Way, National Association of Parliamentarians and Icarus International, to mention just a few. She
received many awards for involvement, contributions and vocal cheer leading. In 2005 she was
honored by BWI Airport (Baltimore Washington International) and Southwest Airlines as an African
American Aviation Pioneer. "She was vibrant, exciting, interested, curious," said Reston founder
Robert E. Simon. "The breadth of her interests is what knocks me out." He also said he was
impressed that she played on a soccer team, was a member of the Virginia State Parliamentary
Association, was a crossword puzzle aficionado who traveled each year to crossword conventions
and was a "fantastic cook."
Bev, born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on August 1, 1943, flew to new horizons on January 6,
2006 after a second bout with cancer and a lengthy illness. She is survived by her husband Edward
and two sons, Edward Sharp II of New York and Samuel Sharp of Ashburn, and two grandchildren,
Gabriela and Sebastian.
Beverly Sharp 1943-2006
-Compiled from remarks by Barbara Rohde, letter by Doris Abbate and Times Community Newspapers
Ninety-Nines International President 1998-2000
On January 11, 2006, a flag was flown over the United States Capitol. The certificate that
accompanied it reads, "This flag is flown in honor of the life of Beverley D. Sharp, Past President of
The Ninety- Nines, Inc. International Organization of Women Pilots, and her many contributions to
aviation education and safety that she made to this nation and this world." Bev's story is best told
through the impact she had on others, from community activism to education to The Ninety-Nines.
Bev learned to fly in the early 1980s and joined The Ninety-Nines in 1982. She accumulated over
1,000 hours of flight time, much of it in her Beechcraft Baron. She became an Aviation Safety
Counselor for the FAA. She co-authored the FAA Accident Prevention Counselor Handbook. She
started a program for her Chapter through Herndon High School's Success Campaign called
Flunkbusters, one that rewarded students who greatly improved their GPAs with a free flight. Thelma
Calbert, friend and founder of Herndon's Success Campaign, said, "It let the students say, 'Here's a
lady who not only flies but has her own plane.' They looked up to her."
Bev served in every Chapter office, as a Mid-Atlantic Section Treasurer and Governor, as
International Treasurer and then as International President from 1998-2000. Friend Doris Abbate
said, "Bev was a genuine grassroots 99, she never lost sight of the forest for the trees, during and
after her tenure in high office. II
"We watched and admired her," said Barbara Rohde, friend and sister Washington DC Chapter
member. "We watched and admired as she started a program to encourage women to learn to fly that
would eventually become the Future Woman Pilot program. We watched and admired as she led our
Chapter in raising and donating our funds to create a permanent Amelia Earhart Flight Instructor
Scholarship in honor of a Chapter member who had been killed. We watched and admired as she
would encourage all of us to join the Wings Program for Safety offered by the FAA. We watched and
admired as the FAA Administrator, Jane Garvey, readjusted her schedule to attend our Chapter
event in 2001 to honor Bev. We watched and admired when faced with adversity she always had a
smile, maybe a little giggle, but always showed us the courage of her convictions. II
In the 1960s she was one of the people who moved to Reston, Virginia (Robert E Simon's "New
Town") because of the principles upon which it was founded, including diversity of all kinds. "Her
work back then helped shape Reston into what it is today," said her husband Ed Sharp, who
affectionately referred to his wife as a "constructive agitator."
Bev was active in her community, in many organizations and served on the boards of the United
Way, National Association of Parliamentarians and Icarus International, to mention just a few. She
received many awards for involvement, contributions and vocal cheer leading. In 2005 she was
honored by BWI Airport (Baltimore Washington International) and Southwest Airlines as an African
American Aviation Pioneer. "She was vibrant, exciting, interested, curious," said Reston founder
Robert E. Simon. "The breadth of her interests is what knocks me out." He also said he was
impressed that she played on a soccer team, was a member of the Virginia State Parliamentary
Association, was a crossword puzzle aficionado who traveled each year to crossword conventions
and was a "fantastic cook."
Bev, born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on August 1, 1943, flew to new horizons on January 6,
2006 after a second bout with cancer and a lengthy illness. She is survived by her husband Edward
and two sons, Edward Sharp II of New York and Samuel Sharp of Ashburn, and two grandchildren,
Gabriela and Sebastian.
Diane Ruth Armour Bartels, 1942- born Sioux City, Iowa
Diane is a lifelong Nebraskan who grew up wanting to fly airplanes. She earned her private license in
1966 and with that evolved a commitment to aerospace education and the preservation of
Nebraska's rich aviation heritage. In 1991, Diane was recognized as Nebraska's Teacher-Scholar by
the National Endowment for the Humanities. The award made it possible for her to write and publish
"Sharpie: The Life Story of Evelyn Sharp, Nebraska's Aviatrix." Diane belongs to several aviation
organizations, has been published in journals and periodicals and has presented at national
conferences. She served as principal consultant for the NETV documentary film "Sharpie: Born To
Fly." From Nebraska Humanities Speaker’s Index
II met Diane in Salina, Kansas at the at the national championships of the National Intercollegiate
Flying Association. I wanted to take her picture because she was a 99; after I took her picture, I
found out that she was a marvelously special person. Her love of flying had led her to do the
research and to write a book to keep the memory of Evelyn Sharp alive.
Diane is a lifelong Nebraskan who grew up wanting to fly airplanes. She earned her private license in
1966 and with that evolved a commitment to aerospace education and the preservation of
Nebraska's rich aviation heritage. In 1991, Diane was recognized as Nebraska's Teacher-Scholar by
the National Endowment for the Humanities. The award made it possible for her to write and publish
"Sharpie: The Life Story of Evelyn Sharp, Nebraska's Aviatrix." Diane belongs to several aviation
organizations, has been published in journals and periodicals and has presented at national
conferences. She served as principal consultant for the NETV documentary film "Sharpie: Born To
Fly." From Nebraska Humanities Speaker’s Index
II met Diane in Salina, Kansas at the at the national championships of the National Intercollegiate
Flying Association. I wanted to take her picture because she was a 99; after I took her picture, I
found out that she was a marvelously special person. Her love of flying had led her to do the
research and to write a book to keep the memory of Evelyn Sharp alive.
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Sally Van Zandt, 1927- born Bushnell, Nebraska
As a child, I dreamed of flying a plane, but always thought it was a dream. Then there
was school and a family and it wasn't until my husband and I celebrated our 25th
wedding anniversary that he surprised me with a ticket for FLYING LESSONS. I was
never very athletic or coordinated, but it was just like a whole new world was opened
for me. I felt as if I learned to "drive" a plane with my private license, but really learned
to ""fly" with my Commercial Ticket. Most of my flying has been in Nebraska and
Wyoming, with a couple of jaunts to the Bahamas. I have been active in the Nebraska
99's and in the South Central Section as well as working as a Judge with the National
Intercollegiate Flying Association.
Professionally, I taught Human Development and the Family at the University of
Nebraska for 30 years, which I enjoyed very much. Now, I am retired, and spend the
winters in Arizona and the summers in Nebraska.
As a child, I dreamed of flying a plane, but always thought it was a dream. Then there
was school and a family and it wasn't until my husband and I celebrated our 25th
wedding anniversary that he surprised me with a ticket for FLYING LESSONS. I was
never very athletic or coordinated, but it was just like a whole new world was opened
for me. I felt as if I learned to "drive" a plane with my private license, but really learned
to ""fly" with my Commercial Ticket. Most of my flying has been in Nebraska and
Wyoming, with a couple of jaunts to the Bahamas. I have been active in the Nebraska
99's and in the South Central Section as well as working as a Judge with the National
Intercollegiate Flying Association.
Professionally, I taught Human Development and the Family at the University of
Nebraska for 30 years, which I enjoyed very much. Now, I am retired, and spend the
winters in Arizona and the summers in Nebraska.